the Lord's work

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." It's sometimes hard to remember that during those times when nothing seems to go right. On those days when Riley messes whatever I clean, she screams for no reason, I don't get to shower, when my all is just not good enough, or even a good day when no one is there to tell me thank you or acknowledge the time and love I have poured into caring for two small children.

It's times like these that I have to step back from the mess or screaming and remind myself that "this too shall pass." My girls won't always be little. There will always be a mess to clean. And even when I spend an entire day treading water, I am thankful for the daily reminders of God's love for me through the tiny miracles I experience everyday. Whether it's seeing my babies' smiles or hearing them giggle, a hug or kiss, the pitter-patter of little feet running through the house, my two year old praying and thanking God for Mommy (even though I was yelling at her two minutes ago), and watching them learn about the world our God created.

These are just a few reminders that my job, though perhaps not glamorous, is important. And no matter how often my gestures of love go unnoticed, what I'm doing makes a difference. Although I have to wash the dishes twice a day, the laundry never ends, my two year old refuses to eat the food I cook or seems demon-possessed, my husband is gone for days at a time, and I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown, I dig down deep and pray for the strength to get through another day on the baby battlefield. I pray that, while my heart is pounding, teeth clenched, and lips pursed, I have the patience to deal with another tantrum without losing my temper. I pray for the energy to prepare another meal that only I will eat (and another meal that meets a toddler's standards, sort of). I pray for the strength to manage a household while my husband is away from home working hard to bring home the bacon. And, at night, when the girls are sleeping and the house is quiet, I thank God that we survived another day! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and remember that God is with me and loves me and sees the work that I am doing at home to further His kingdom.